2 Pound Coin Fire Of London

Ever heard of a coin that's not just a coin? I'm talking about the 2 Pound Coin, a true survivor of the Great Fire of London. Let's dive into this fascinating tale, shall we?

Meet the 2 Pound Coin

Imagine you're walking down the bustling streets of London in the 17th century. You've got a shiny new 2 Pound coin in your pocket, a small fortune back then. Little did you know, this coin was about to become a witness to history.

Fire, Fire!

It's September 2, 1666, and suddenly, the city is ablaze. The Great Fire of London has started, and it's not messing around. It rages for four days, destroying around 13,200 houses and 87 parish churches, including St. Paul's Cathedral. But our little coin? It's still hanging in there.

Buried Treasure

After the fire, the city is left in ruins. But amidst the destruction, something extraordinary happens. The molten lead from the roof of St. Paul's Cathedral seeps into the ground, creating a unique phenomenon - a mass of lead known as the 'Great Mound'. And guess who's in there? Our 2 Pound coin!

Now, you might be thinking, "How on earth did a coin end up in a molten lead mass?" Well, it's believed that the coin was part of a collection belonging to a wealthy merchant. When the fire hit, the merchant's house was destroyed, and the coin was swept away by the molten lead.

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Unearthed

Fast forward to 1762, over a century later. The 'Great Mound' is discovered during construction work. Can you believe it? Our 2 Pound coin has been chilling in there all this time! It's like finding a time capsule, a tangible link to the past.

But here's where it gets even cooler. The coin is remarkably well-preserved. It's not just a lump of metal anymore; it's still recognizable as a 2 Pound coin. It's like finding a fossil of a coin, a rare glimpse into the past.

Elizabeth II 2016 proof Two-Pounds - Great Fire of London | European Coins

Why is this coin so special?

This 2 Pound coin is more than just a coin. It's a survivor, a witness to one of London's most devastating events. It's a symbol of resilience, a testament to the city's ability to rise from the ashes. It's like the ultimate Londoner, tough and unbreakable.

Think about it. This coin has seen the city at its lowest point, and it's still here, telling its story. It's like the coin version of a superhero, surviving the fire, being buried, and then popping up centuries later, ready to share its tale.

So, the next time you're in London, spare a thought for this incredible coin. It's not just a piece of history; it's a piece of London's heart. And that, my friends, is pretty darn cool.